Electric Vehicle Concerns

Individuals can choose from a growing number of electric vehicle models offering many environmental benefits. Despite this, electric vehicles sales still lag far behind those of conventional vehicles. There are a number of reasons why consumers may be hesitant to purchase an electric vehicle.

Higher current costs

Initially upfront costs for first time buyers of passenger electric vehicles could be as high as EUR10,000 more expensive than a comparable conventional vehicle. Electric vehicles have since become more affordable due to a range of grant schemes offered to the public by the SEAI. Such schemes, introduced in 2017, have shown a rapid increase in the uptake of EV purchases with a total of  4825 electric vehicles now on the road compared to 392 in 2016. Several studies have identified cost as the main reason more people do not buy electric vehicles. Electric vehicles can, however, require less maintenance than conventional vehicles. Motor oil, filter material, brake linings and other components need to be replaced less frequently than conventional vehicles.

Availability and choice of models

All major car manufacturers have now started producing battery or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. More than 60 models are currently available in Europe. But this is a relatively small number compared with the number of available conventional car models.  Similarly, because the overall market is small, manufacturers do not always offer as many different vehicle configurations or options, such as additional extras, acting as a further disincentive for individuals from purchasing electric vehicles. It is projected that 214 EV models will be available in the EU by 2021.

Matching electric vehicles with driver needs

Potential users consider that electric vehicles are not as suitable for everyday requirements, particularly in terms of range and charging limitations. Although the battery range of most electric vehicles currently is sufficient for most journeys that individuals undertake, users say that their minimum required range is larger. Similarly, slow overnight charging is actually sufficient to meet most consumer needs, but it takes a longer time than users say is the maximum acceptable.

Limited information

Many potential users do not know or understand the capabilities of modern electric vehicles. This can often be a bigger barrier than concern about the use of new technology.

Technological uncertainty

Individuals consider electric vehicle technology a relatively recent development. Therefore, they believe that some aspects are uncertain, such as vehicle range, charging availability and ownership costs. They are particularly concerned about the life expectancy of batteries. However, it is considered extremely unlikely that the battery will fade below 80% capacity before 250,000 km. Potential users believe instead that if the battery does not last as long as expected, either the resale value will fall or the owner will have to buy an expensive new battery (EEA, 2016). Recent efforts to distribute information to the public on EVs has decreased uncertainty about technology and increased the likeliness in uptake of EV purchases. Public information campaigns are therefore essential for Ireland to achieve its EV uptake target of 1 million EV cars by 2030.